The Omega Dubai Desert Classic, the grand finale of the European Tour’s popular Desert Swing, gets under way at the Majlis Course of Emirates Golf Club today.
Among numerous stars on the European Tour in the field are world No.2 Rory McIlroy, No.3 Lee Westwood and No.4 Martin Kaymer, all looking to claim some vital ranking points, and discover some early-season form.
The tournament, now in its 23rd year, started in 1989, when it became the European Tour’s first ever stop in Asia. It has a rich history and a fantastic roll of honour, which includes such legends of the game as Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els and Fred Couples, who is making a return to Dubai after a gap of 15 years.
It’s not only the action on-course that will grip people’s attention this weekend, but also beyond the ropes as a golf village will run concurrently with the action, enabling fans to chill out, relax, and even catch up with the action on the giant television screen.
Food and beverage outlets will be on site, while golf clinics will run throughout the weekend, enabling you to hone your golfing skills. A number of retail outlets have also set up camp at the Emirates course this weekend, giving the event a real family feel to it.
It’s the lure of the course, however, that will entice many seasoned sports fans this weekend, with an all-star cast of players from the European Tour – and a smattering from the American PGA Tour – making up the list.
Alvaro Quiros is the defending champion and the spotlight will be firmly on him as he bids for a unique hat-trick at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. If the Spaniard manages to successfully defend his crown, he will have won all three tournaments in Dubai in his last three starts.
After winning the 2011 Dubai Desert Classic following a thrill-a-minute final round, Quiros also won the season-ending Dubai World Championship in emphatic fashion in December.
The first tee off on Thursday morning is 7.10am, with Abu Dhabi champion Robert Rock, McIlroy and Quiros playing together, starting at 12:20.
Admission to the grounds costs Dh175 per day, or a four-day pass can be acquired for Dh675. Hospitality packages, meanwhile, are available, with tables of ten beginning at Dh10,950.
You have the choice of The Terrace Hospitality, Le Classique Hospitality or the 9 & 18 Chalet, where you get an up front view of the ninth and 18th greens.
All are subject to availability, of course. For full information on price breakdown, visit www.dubaidesertclassic.com.
WHAT: The Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2012.
WHEN: Thursday – Sunday, from 7am onwards
Where: Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, five minutes from Dubai Marina.
Sport360° VERDICT: It’s your last chance to see the stars of the game strut their stuff
before the Race to Dubai at the end of the year – grab your chance while you can.
CONTACT: www.dubaidesertclassic.com
